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Living the call to serve

Living the call to serve

by Shannon Dufresne
 

From collecting cereal for families in need to sharing music with local seniors, Ursuline students spent the 2024-25 academic year turning compassion into action and answering Saint Angela Merici's call to serve others.

At Ursuline, Serviam—Latin for "I will serve"—is more than a school motto. It's a way of life. This year was a shining example of how our students, faculty, and community members embodied this powerful call to serve, utilizing their talents and compassion to make a lasting impact near and far.

The year began with a burst of generosity through our annual Cereal Effect. As students everywhere filled backpacks with new notebooks and pencils, our Ursuline family also filled bins with boxes of cereal. Thanks to the overwhelming support of students and their families, Ursuline was able to provide breakfast cereal to more than 1,500 local families in need. It was a powerful way to start the academic year, ensuring schoolchildren in the greater community could begin their day on a full stomach.

Students pose with representatives from Hope Community Services during 5th Annual Cereal Effect, September 25, 2025.


Inspired by that early momentum, students across all grade levels found new ways to bring Serviam into their everyday lives. Whether through involvement in athletic teams, clubs, or honor societies, they embraced opportunities to make a difference, showing that, at Ursuline, service isn't something extra, but a meaningful part of what it means to be a member of the School community.

"This year, I watched our students turn empathy into action in the most beautiful ways," says Ms. Jennifer Schassler, service coordinator, who just completed her first year at Ursuline. "Their hearts for others and their willingness to step up showed me that service isn't just something they do—it's who they are becoming."

Their hearts for others and their willingness to step up showed me that service isn’t just something they do—it’s who they are becoming.”
- Ms. Jennifer Schassler, service coordinator


One of the most spirited efforts of the year took place on November 9, when Ursuline students, faculty, and staff plunged into service, literally. In a powerful show of support for the Special Olympics, the school participated in the Polar Plunge in the chilly waters of Long Island Sound in Rye. Braving the cold, the community raised funds and awareness for athletes with intellectual disabilities—and showed that when it comes to helping others, they're willing to go the extra step (or dive).

Throughout the year, service extended into many corners of campus life. The Breast Cancer Awareness Club hosted a walk-a-thon to support families impacted by breast cancer. The basketball teams organized a fundraiser for victims of the devastating California wildfires, sending hope across the country. The varsity lacrosse team partnered with Morgan's Message to raise awareness for mental health, especially among student-athletes. Students volunteered during Catholic Schools Week at the John Cardinal O'Connor School, forming bonds with younger students through acts of care and kindness.

Every step made a difference during the fall on-campus walk-a-thon to support breast cancer awareness, October 22, 2024. Click HERE for the full story.


One of the most heartwarming new initiatives of the year began in February with the growing relationship between residents at Cooper's Monarch Senior Center and students from the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Anna F '26, secretary of Tri-M, organized monthly concerts for the elderly residents, using music to connect generations. Through familiar songs and sing-alongs, they brought joy and comfort to the senior residents, proving that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.

Fahy reflects, "Bringing Tri-M to Coopers Corner has reminded me of music's incredible ability to connect people and build intergenerational friendships. It was beautiful to watch residents remember songs from their youth. Moments when they sang and danced along reminded me of the power of music and its ability to touch people beyond words and time."

It was beautiful to watch residents remember songs from their youth. Moments when they sang and danced along reminded me of the power of music and its ability to touch people beyond words and time."
- Anna F '26, secretary, Tri-M Music Honor Society

Serviam can be as simple as a familiar tune for these students performing for some residents at Cooper's Monarch Senior Center, May 30, 2025. 


In May, on Make a Difference Day, the senior class brought that same spirit to 10 local organizations, including Cooper's, embarking on a powerful day of outreach that touched many corners of the community.

Through each effort, Ursuline students continue to set themselves apart, growing in confidence, compassion, and purpose. By using their gifts to help others, they gain a deeper understanding of who they are and the kind of leaders they're meant to become, not in the future, but today. Schassler adds, "These girls are living proof of the extraordinary power of young people inspired to serve. I think Saint Angela would be proud."

The Class of 2025 took part in Ursuline's "Make a Difference Day" on May 19, 2025. Read the full story HERE.

 

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